God's Word says that faith comes by hearing. Depending on what you hear, experience or see, you could develop faith in the wrong things, non-truths without even knowing that it is not truth.
What am I talking about?
It was once believed that the earth was flat because when people looked, they saw the horizon which was a straight line in the distance. So, mankind believed and had faith in a non-truth that they would fall off of the earth if they went past a certain point. They had faith in an non-truth and didn't know it!
Until those who challenged that belief, went beyond what they had been taught and proved that the earth is round, no one would have ever accepted the real truth about the earth.
In these posts, my goal is for us to research the scriptures, to research what we have been taught about the scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit of Truth to teach us the real truth of the bible. That is the Holy Spirit's assignment, to lead us into all truth.
I encourage you, if you have been discouraged with church or have had an experience that has caused you to be turned off with Christianity, (maybe it is because of a non-truth), to just take a moment to read and think about these posts. Take a section at a time of each one of these posts and read it over and over. It may be a challenge to discover that you need to change what you have been taught (if indeed you have faith in any non-truths about Jesus), just as it was a challenge for people to accept the earth as being round!
Remember this, Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is the most important TRUTH in the scriptures and that he is our answer to everything. Jesus not only came for our eternal salvation but for our emotional, physical, financial and daily provision. There is power in the Blood of Jesus!
Isaiah 53: 3-5
1 Peter 2:21-24
Matthew 6:24-33
For we are Ambassadors for Christ
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Have You Done Your Homework?
If you have been following my posts so far, then I am sure that you have investigated my stand on Jesus Christ and Him Crucified as the central truth of the Christian life as well as the old testament scriptures pointing to Jesus.
Mentally, many people would agree that of course it is Jesus Christ and the fact that he was crucified, what's the big deal? What I am talking about is not simply accepting the fact that Jesus lived, died and rose from the dead on the third day. What I am talking about is not just receiving God's plan of salvation by asking Jesus into your heart and receiving eternal life.
That's just where it all begins. Yes, we all need to receive God's plan of salvation through Jesus which is the only way I might add, for our eternal salvation. But, it doesn't end there. I am convinced that Christians all over the world and for centuries have not truly understood that the power of God in our lives is Jesus Christ and him crucified. Do you know that we do not have to be poor, sick, sad, or defeated in our day-to-day life?
I do not see many Christians living the life that the Bible describes. I followed what I saw and was taught. I saw respectable Christians sick, so I thought that is just the way it is. I saw Christians who had been saved for years financially devastated; so I joined the ranks, but all the while trying to get out of debt. Did you ever think about the old testament people of God and how they didn't dodge creditors phone call, sickness, depression, oppression? Not if they were walking with God! If they disobeyed, and went off on their own, then yes, these conditions existed in their lives. But once they repented and turned back to God, the blessings continued to flow.
One day, I sat back and I asked, "If I have a much better covenant with Jesus (Hebrews 8:6), than the old testament saints, then how come I am broke, sick, worried, and depressed?"
Since we have the Holy Spirit of promise in us (those who have received Jesus as Lord and Saviour), and only certain people in the old testament just had visitations of God's Spirit from time to time, why don't I see the miracles in my life and in the body of Christ on a grander scale?
Jesus said if he goes unto the Father, he would send the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that greater works than he did, will we do in his name. Now let's look at these verses in Ephesians 1:2-6 :(KJV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Can you read these verses and truly say that you cannot see what God's will is for us as his children, and see that on the most part the Body of Christ is not close to experiencing any of this in life?
What do I mean? Let's look closely at verse 2. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. What if instead of mimicking what we have been taught or even what we assume that this means (going to heaven when we die and being blessed then); let's look at this verse as saying God blessed us here on earth with all spiritual rights as Jesus experiences in heaven. The scriptures declares in 1 John 4:17 "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
If we are reading this correctly (and I submit that we are), in the day of judgement, we can experience boldness because we live our lives here in this world as he is. How is Jesus? Well, I am willing to believe that "as he is", Jesus is not experiencing sickness and disease, lack and poverty or depression and anxiousness.
Matthew 26: 36-46 (NIV)
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Well, let's look at that scene. Jesus was about to go through much pain and suffering at the hand of the people who he came to die for, so at that crossroad of his purpose, he had to surrender his will to God's will. He prayed and sought God to see if possible this could be changed, but he wanted God's will. Jesus experienced anguish with what was about to occur, but soon he had peace about it and was ready to do what he came to do. This is not a case of depression or oppression or worry. I am sure Jesus witnessed crucifixtions at some point in his lifetime and he saw the pain that those who died this way experienced.
We have to remember that God decided to send Jesus as a man to experience what we experience in life so that he could identify with us. Let's look at Hebrews 4: 14-16:
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I am glad that this account of Jesus praying so intently is in the scriptures. In this, God allowed us to see that he knew that there would be times that we would need to be sure that what he is directing us to do would at times cause a moment of pondering in us. But, in the end just like Jesus, we should surrender our will to his will and move forward knowing that God willnever leave us of forsake us!
This is why we need to understand the power of God that we have access to in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Did Jesus die for you in vain? Jesus not only provided for our eternity, but also for our right now! God, through Jesus gave us a head start in life and gives us the best. God is the Creator of the universe. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Helper and Guide. There are angels on assignment to help us, just like they came and helped Jesus after he was tempted of the devil in the wilderness.
WOW! How can we be defeated? How can we accept the lie of the enemy that we have no power? Why would anyone choose to sell their birthright of being a joint-heir with Christ by settling for what this world says we can and cannot have in life? (I have many more questions!)
Mentally, many people would agree that of course it is Jesus Christ and the fact that he was crucified, what's the big deal? What I am talking about is not simply accepting the fact that Jesus lived, died and rose from the dead on the third day. What I am talking about is not just receiving God's plan of salvation by asking Jesus into your heart and receiving eternal life.
That's just where it all begins. Yes, we all need to receive God's plan of salvation through Jesus which is the only way I might add, for our eternal salvation. But, it doesn't end there. I am convinced that Christians all over the world and for centuries have not truly understood that the power of God in our lives is Jesus Christ and him crucified. Do you know that we do not have to be poor, sick, sad, or defeated in our day-to-day life?
I do not see many Christians living the life that the Bible describes. I followed what I saw and was taught. I saw respectable Christians sick, so I thought that is just the way it is. I saw Christians who had been saved for years financially devastated; so I joined the ranks, but all the while trying to get out of debt. Did you ever think about the old testament people of God and how they didn't dodge creditors phone call, sickness, depression, oppression? Not if they were walking with God! If they disobeyed, and went off on their own, then yes, these conditions existed in their lives. But once they repented and turned back to God, the blessings continued to flow.
One day, I sat back and I asked, "If I have a much better covenant with Jesus (Hebrews 8:6), than the old testament saints, then how come I am broke, sick, worried, and depressed?"
Since we have the Holy Spirit of promise in us (those who have received Jesus as Lord and Saviour), and only certain people in the old testament just had visitations of God's Spirit from time to time, why don't I see the miracles in my life and in the body of Christ on a grander scale?
Did the Power Leave once Jesus Left?
Jesus said if he goes unto the Father, he would send the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that greater works than he did, will we do in his name. Now let's look at these verses in Ephesians 1:2-6 :(KJV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Can you read these verses and truly say that you cannot see what God's will is for us as his children, and see that on the most part the Body of Christ is not close to experiencing any of this in life?
What do I mean? Let's look closely at verse 2. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. What if instead of mimicking what we have been taught or even what we assume that this means (going to heaven when we die and being blessed then); let's look at this verse as saying God blessed us here on earth with all spiritual rights as Jesus experiences in heaven. The scriptures declares in 1 John 4:17 "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
If we are reading this correctly (and I submit that we are), in the day of judgement, we can experience boldness because we live our lives here in this world as he is. How is Jesus? Well, I am willing to believe that "as he is", Jesus is not experiencing sickness and disease, lack and poverty or depression and anxiousness.
When Jesus was here on earth in his traveling ministry, he financed a team of 12 men, (his disciples), so he was financially sound to house, feed and provide for them. Jesus, nor his team were sick and suffering. If so, wouldn't Jesus have healed them like he healed others he came in contact with? I have not read any account of Jesus being afraid or depressed. Oh, are you thinking of Gethsemane?
You Decide What Happened Here
Matthew 26: 36-46 (NIV)
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Well, let's look at that scene. Jesus was about to go through much pain and suffering at the hand of the people who he came to die for, so at that crossroad of his purpose, he had to surrender his will to God's will. He prayed and sought God to see if possible this could be changed, but he wanted God's will. Jesus experienced anguish with what was about to occur, but soon he had peace about it and was ready to do what he came to do. This is not a case of depression or oppression or worry. I am sure Jesus witnessed crucifixtions at some point in his lifetime and he saw the pain that those who died this way experienced.
We have to remember that God decided to send Jesus as a man to experience what we experience in life so that he could identify with us. Let's look at Hebrews 4: 14-16:
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I am glad that this account of Jesus praying so intently is in the scriptures. In this, God allowed us to see that he knew that there would be times that we would need to be sure that what he is directing us to do would at times cause a moment of pondering in us. But, in the end just like Jesus, we should surrender our will to his will and move forward knowing that God willnever leave us of forsake us!
This is why we need to understand the power of God that we have access to in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Did Jesus die for you in vain? Jesus not only provided for our eternity, but also for our right now! God, through Jesus gave us a head start in life and gives us the best. God is the Creator of the universe. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Helper and Guide. There are angels on assignment to help us, just like they came and helped Jesus after he was tempted of the devil in the wilderness.
WOW! How can we be defeated? How can we accept the lie of the enemy that we have no power? Why would anyone choose to sell their birthright of being a joint-heir with Christ by settling for what this world says we can and cannot have in life? (I have many more questions!)
CONCLUSION
So now what are your plans? Will you really do your homework and ask God for help with understanding your inheritance in the Kingdom of God to experience here and now? Ask, and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7: 7-11
For we are Ambassadors for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
Friday, February 17, 2012
Let's Change Our Bible Reading Glasses
Old Testament or New Testament? I found that many have their favorite part of the bible and tend to stay within their comfort zone when reading and studying the scriptures. Have you ever attempted to read through the bible? Things are going along great with Genesis and Exodus until you reach Leviticus and Numbers. It picks back up for you in Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth and so on through second Samuel. Then comes the Chronicles, which is pretty much repeating some things that you already read and you force yourself to continue and you might experience that ebb and flow throughout the Old Testament. Then you get to the New Testament and with a sigh of relief you continue through to Revelation. WOW, we made it!
My point in this banter is, if we do not know what to look for as we read the scriptures(whether it be the new or old testament), it really is a roller coaster ride and we end up not knowing or understanding what we are reading.
Once I found the revelation and wisdom(Proverbs 2:4-5) of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, I was able to read through the bible and see that Jesus' presence is in the old testament as well as the new testament. God exalted Jesus and his life was declared in the scriptures before his birth. I grew up being taught that Jesus' first appearance was in Bethlehem of Judea when he was born of a virgin. The Christmas celebrations was when Jesus came on the scene, I was taught. You may have known that Jesus was with God in the beginning creating the heavens and earth. I didn't!
The wisdom of God is necessary for us to have in order to live this life correctly, and to rightly read the bible; our instruction book. I learned to change my "old" bible reading glasses from what I had been taught about the scriptures, to what the Spirit of God wanted to teach me in the scriptures. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth-John 15:26, and he will only teach the truth about God and Jesus. I also discovered that the more you read a scripture, the more understanding you get.
It does not matter how many scriptures we have memorized. Nor does it impress God what we do in service to him in church or community. Why? Because first, we must believe that God is, that faith pleases God, and that he rewards those who diligently seek him-Hebrews 11:6. We have to believe and do all three parts of this verse. Of course doing good is right and we should work towards that in our lives. But, if we only focus on the "doing", we will never take time out to get acquainted with God-Job 22:21. Distraction is one tool that the enemy uses to keep us from that intimate relationship with the
Father and the Son.
Let's change our bible reading glasses by understanding that God never said, "Thou shalt keep busy doing things for Me everyday which takes you away from Me talking with you, and you getting to know who I AM." I have talked with Christians about spending time quietly listening for God's voice and many say that they don't spend time daily in the scriptures, or in prayer, or in thanksgiving and praise, or in studying His word, but they do it! I was guilty too! I spent years serving God in church and not reading the bible, not praying, and not spending time with Him. As I look back on those years I can see that some obstacles I went through would have been avoided or would have had a different result by getting his counsel and instructions.
Let's look at that mindset of not spending time with our Creator daily. What does that really mean...really! Let's see, God created me for Himself-Revelation 4:11, to fellowship with him and to experience who he is in my life. For me to say that I don't communicate with God daily, is to say that our relationship is not that important. That was a hard pill for me to swallow once I looked at my relationship with the Father and Son. I had to face the fact that I did not love him the way He desired me to love him. I decided to love Him when it was convenient, when it fit into my schedule. Ouch!
We have to remember that everything belongs to God and he has his own rules for us in life. What is important to God? If we can ask that question each day, the Holy Spirit will be right there with the answer for us. His assignment is to show us things to come-John 16:13.
We also need to remember that God has an enemy. Gods' enemy is our enemy also. So in knowing these facts, we should know that Satan will use whatever he can to distract us from worshiping God with our lives. Be aware of this fact and allow the Holy Spirit to dictate to you what our Father wants. You may not be able to determine God's voice from your own voice, or from the voice of distraction yet. But just get started in learning God's voice by spending time in his word, talking to God in Jesus Name, proclaiming your faith in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified daily.
God loves us and is always ready to welcome us. He is not waiting to condemn us. Ask him to forgive you, and then receive your forgiveness and get to thanking him for his goodness. God doesn't hold things against us, or over our head. He forgives us and wants to move forward with us. He has so much to talk to us about our life and what concerns us. God is love, God is love, GOD is LOVE!
For we are Ambassadors of Christ
My point in this banter is, if we do not know what to look for as we read the scriptures(whether it be the new or old testament), it really is a roller coaster ride and we end up not knowing or understanding what we are reading.
Once I found the revelation and wisdom(Proverbs 2:4-5) of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, I was able to read through the bible and see that Jesus' presence is in the old testament as well as the new testament. God exalted Jesus and his life was declared in the scriptures before his birth. I grew up being taught that Jesus' first appearance was in Bethlehem of Judea when he was born of a virgin. The Christmas celebrations was when Jesus came on the scene, I was taught. You may have known that Jesus was with God in the beginning creating the heavens and earth. I didn't!
The wisdom of God is necessary for us to have in order to live this life correctly, and to rightly read the bible; our instruction book. I learned to change my "old" bible reading glasses from what I had been taught about the scriptures, to what the Spirit of God wanted to teach me in the scriptures. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth-John 15:26, and he will only teach the truth about God and Jesus. I also discovered that the more you read a scripture, the more understanding you get.
It does not matter how many scriptures we have memorized. Nor does it impress God what we do in service to him in church or community. Why? Because first, we must believe that God is, that faith pleases God, and that he rewards those who diligently seek him-Hebrews 11:6. We have to believe and do all three parts of this verse. Of course doing good is right and we should work towards that in our lives. But, if we only focus on the "doing", we will never take time out to get acquainted with God-Job 22:21. Distraction is one tool that the enemy uses to keep us from that intimate relationship with the
Father and the Son.
DISTRACTION
Let's look at that mindset of not spending time with our Creator daily. What does that really mean...really! Let's see, God created me for Himself-Revelation 4:11, to fellowship with him and to experience who he is in my life. For me to say that I don't communicate with God daily, is to say that our relationship is not that important. That was a hard pill for me to swallow once I looked at my relationship with the Father and Son. I had to face the fact that I did not love him the way He desired me to love him. I decided to love Him when it was convenient, when it fit into my schedule. Ouch!
We have to remember that everything belongs to God and he has his own rules for us in life. What is important to God? If we can ask that question each day, the Holy Spirit will be right there with the answer for us. His assignment is to show us things to come-John 16:13.
We also need to remember that God has an enemy. Gods' enemy is our enemy also. So in knowing these facts, we should know that Satan will use whatever he can to distract us from worshiping God with our lives. Be aware of this fact and allow the Holy Spirit to dictate to you what our Father wants. You may not be able to determine God's voice from your own voice, or from the voice of distraction yet. But just get started in learning God's voice by spending time in his word, talking to God in Jesus Name, proclaiming your faith in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified daily.
GOD'S LOVE
God did not send Jesus into this world to go through everything he experienced for nothing. It was because of his great love for us-John 3:16. If we can remember and say daily to ourselves that , "God loves me", that will give us peace.
God loves us and is always ready to welcome us. He is not waiting to condemn us. Ask him to forgive you, and then receive your forgiveness and get to thanking him for his goodness. God doesn't hold things against us, or over our head. He forgives us and wants to move forward with us. He has so much to talk to us about our life and what concerns us. God is love, God is love, GOD is LOVE!
For we are Ambassadors of Christ
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Jesus Christ Finished It!
IT IS FINISHED! In John 30:19, this is what Jesus said just before he died for us. I believe that those words have been over looked throughout the years in the Body of Christ.
Have you ever stopped to think about what Jesus meant when he said those words? Maybe you already know, and maybe you already understand that he was not simply taking about his assignment was over, and that now he could go back to his Father.
I would like to visit the first word in his sentence, "IT" and to understand what was included in the "it" that was finished.
I would think that the last words a person speaks before they die are important to all who knew them; if you will allow me to think out loud with you today. I have never experienced anyone saying their last words before they died so I don't know, just speculating.
Let's look at something Jesus said that may help us on this road of discovery. In John 5:19, we find these words: "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." (KJV)
I believe that Jesus meant something of importance in these words he spoke, and I base it upon his relationship with the Father. Unlike our tendencies, God and Jesus simply do not just ramble off words. They have purpose, and just like Jesus we are to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.-Matthew 4:4 Jesus patterned himself after the Father and was obedient to the Father in everything he did.
Let's not lose sight of why God sent Jesus. The purpose (and by no means is this list in its entirety), was to redeem mankind from the hand of the enemy-1 Corinthians 6:20, by being the final sacrifice-Ephesians 5:2(paying the price to get us back once and for all time) for our sin which resulted in eternal separation from God. In the gift of Jesus, God made provision for our eternal life-John 3:15-18, peace-John 14:27 and Philippians 4:4-7, health-1 Peter 2:24 and Isaiah 53:4-5, needs-Matthew 6:33 and 3 John 2, righteousness-Matthew 5:6 and adoption into the family of God-John 1:12.
WOW, that journey has led us to the beginning of understanding what the "IT" means in Jesus' last statement on the cross, when he said, "It is finished." That one word carries a lot in it for you and I, and we have a right to everything God sent Jesus to pay for with his blood, if we have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus defeated the enemy of God (Satan) and now we can understand better about Jesus Christ and Him Crucified; because Jesus has been given all power in heaven and in earth-Matthew 28:18-20, and the validity cannot be denied of what Jesus accomplished and finished on the cross-Colossians 2:6-15.
So no matter what comes up against us, we can proclaim with boldness what Jesus said, "IT IS FINISHED!" And now we say:
I am forgiven
I am righteous
I am healed
I am free
I am provided for
I am loved
I am blessed
I am redeemed
I am an overcomer
I am . . . . . .
By the power of God, which is the gospel of Christ-Romans 1:16
Rejoice in and resolve within yourself Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is my answer!
For we are Ambassadors of Christ-2 Corinthians 5:20
Have you ever stopped to think about what Jesus meant when he said those words? Maybe you already know, and maybe you already understand that he was not simply taking about his assignment was over, and that now he could go back to his Father.
I would like to visit the first word in his sentence, "IT" and to understand what was included in the "it" that was finished.
I would think that the last words a person speaks before they die are important to all who knew them; if you will allow me to think out loud with you today. I have never experienced anyone saying their last words before they died so I don't know, just speculating.
Let's look at something Jesus said that may help us on this road of discovery. In John 5:19, we find these words: "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." (KJV)
I believe that Jesus meant something of importance in these words he spoke, and I base it upon his relationship with the Father. Unlike our tendencies, God and Jesus simply do not just ramble off words. They have purpose, and just like Jesus we are to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.-Matthew 4:4 Jesus patterned himself after the Father and was obedient to the Father in everything he did.
Let's not lose sight of why God sent Jesus. The purpose (and by no means is this list in its entirety), was to redeem mankind from the hand of the enemy-1 Corinthians 6:20, by being the final sacrifice-Ephesians 5:2(paying the price to get us back once and for all time) for our sin which resulted in eternal separation from God. In the gift of Jesus, God made provision for our eternal life-John 3:15-18, peace-John 14:27 and Philippians 4:4-7, health-1 Peter 2:24 and Isaiah 53:4-5, needs-Matthew 6:33 and 3 John 2, righteousness-Matthew 5:6 and adoption into the family of God-John 1:12.
WOW, that journey has led us to the beginning of understanding what the "IT" means in Jesus' last statement on the cross, when he said, "It is finished." That one word carries a lot in it for you and I, and we have a right to everything God sent Jesus to pay for with his blood, if we have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus defeated the enemy of God (Satan) and now we can understand better about Jesus Christ and Him Crucified; because Jesus has been given all power in heaven and in earth-Matthew 28:18-20, and the validity cannot be denied of what Jesus accomplished and finished on the cross-Colossians 2:6-15.
So no matter what comes up against us, we can proclaim with boldness what Jesus said, "IT IS FINISHED!" And now we say:
I am forgiven
I am righteous
I am healed
I am free
I am provided for
I am loved
I am blessed
I am redeemed
I am an overcomer
I am . . . . . .
By the power of God, which is the gospel of Christ-Romans 1:16
Rejoice in and resolve within yourself Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is my answer!
For we are Ambassadors of Christ-2 Corinthians 5:20
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Power of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified
Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father was established before the foundation of the world as God's Word says in 1 Peter 1:18-21 and Ephesians 1:3-4 (KJV). Before mankind, God made provisions for our redemption and it was and it is by, and through Jesus Christ and Him Crucified! Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 that he determined/resolved not to know anything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified which is the Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Once I learned that the cross is not a bad thing (because if it were not for the fact that Jesus died, was resurrected from the dead and his blood, shed for our sins, there would be no point of Christianity), but that the cross where Jesus shed his blood is the very place God chose to redeem us back to himself. The question may arise, "Since God knew that mankind would sin and would need a redeemer, why didn't he stop it from the beginning?" Good question. The answer is an easy one.
God made us in his image, after his likeness, Genesis 1:26. It is clear to see in the first couple chapters of Genesis that God's desire for his creation of mankind on earth was for us to "want" to love and obey him, so that he could have honest fellowship with us. God gave Adam instructions to follow and God visited with Adam. As we read in Genesis 3:8-11, Adam and Eve knew God's voice because they heard the voice of God walking in the garden. So, this tells us that God had fellowship and a close relationship with Adam and Eve; but on this day we see when God came to fellowship with them, they were not in place. We know this because God asked, "Where are you?" (sin moves us out of place)
Check out Genesis chapter 1 and all the provisions God made prior to creating Adam and Eve. He didn't want mankind to have a need for anything, and if our needs are met (Philippians 4:19), then what can stand in the way of us having a relationship and fellowship with our creator? We could spend our time with him and not be concerned with providing for ourselves.
God's plan was and is simple, and it has not changed. He wants you and I to freely "choose him" and not to be made or forced to choose him...so he gives us choices - a freewill. He wants to provide for us, to fellowship with us, and he wants to able to find us in place (not in sin), so that we do not need to hide from him. The Father's plan for Jesus' blood to pay the price for our sin has been provided. Why? God loved his creation so much that he wanted us back in place. Now, if we accept his Son Jesus and what he did for us, then we can fellowship with God through the redemption of the blood of Jesus.
Wow, what love...what power God has given to us (John 1:12). The power of the blood and what Jesus finished on the cross that made everything right again. The cross does not simply provide the blood for forgiveness of sin, but it also provides for us health, prosperity as well as an eternal place with him. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us why he came. Do you think he lied? God forbid. We have abundant life through him. Is abundant life limited to eternal salvation? Of course not, God cares about every aspect of our life and also wants an intimate relationship with us!
If I may take a moment and ask this question: Which would you prefer: A person in your life with whom you forced to say that they want to be in a relationship with you, or a person saying of their own freewill that they want to be in a relationship with you? Of course we want those in our lives to freely choose to be in our presence. Then why not God desiring the same type of relationship with his creation? He loves us, and he misses us when we are not in fellowship with him, just as we would miss the people we love who never develop a relationship with us or spend time with us.
In Isaiah 46:12, God declared the end from the beginning (He is the Alpha & Omega, the Beginning and the End: Revelation 21:6) and came up with solutions to anything that would ever befall each of our lives to help us. So, yes he saw Adam and Eve choosing to disobey before they did it, and he prepared Jesus as the answer to redeem mankind back to himself. Pretty wise if you think about it all. Just think if you were able to see the beginning of time and the end of time in one snapshot and then having the power and ability to work it out to where your desired results and original plan is carried out through time. That's what God did! He has the ability and power. He knows all things and is everywhere at all times and he provided for us as he did for Adam and Eve so that he could enjoy his creation...mankind!
We have to know and understand that God will not and cannot override our will. He cannot go back on his word and take away our free-will (Psalm 138:2), so he has to always work within the boundaries of his word or he would be a liar and then cease to be God! God is holy, and that is his word on it. He cannot allow sin in his presence.
The thing we need to remember is with having a free-will and a choice is that we have to choose him and his plan of redemption through Jesus Christ and the finished work of the Cross. (John 19:30) We have a say-so in his plan. Father God bids us to "choose life" in Deuteronomy 30:19-20. God's love for us is so "GI-NORMOUS" (gigantic & anormous) that sometimes we miss it because it is too big for us to comprehend or grasp. Remember John 3:16?
I am glad that God provided all I need for living on earth with him and provided all I need for living eternally with him. I hope as you read through these bible chapters and verses that Holy Spirit will reveal and teach you God's love. Romans 8:35-39
For we are Ambassadors For Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
Once I learned that the cross is not a bad thing (because if it were not for the fact that Jesus died, was resurrected from the dead and his blood, shed for our sins, there would be no point of Christianity), but that the cross where Jesus shed his blood is the very place God chose to redeem us back to himself. The question may arise, "Since God knew that mankind would sin and would need a redeemer, why didn't he stop it from the beginning?" Good question. The answer is an easy one.
God made us in his image, after his likeness, Genesis 1:26. It is clear to see in the first couple chapters of Genesis that God's desire for his creation of mankind on earth was for us to "want" to love and obey him, so that he could have honest fellowship with us. God gave Adam instructions to follow and God visited with Adam. As we read in Genesis 3:8-11, Adam and Eve knew God's voice because they heard the voice of God walking in the garden. So, this tells us that God had fellowship and a close relationship with Adam and Eve; but on this day we see when God came to fellowship with them, they were not in place. We know this because God asked, "Where are you?" (sin moves us out of place)
Check out Genesis chapter 1 and all the provisions God made prior to creating Adam and Eve. He didn't want mankind to have a need for anything, and if our needs are met (Philippians 4:19), then what can stand in the way of us having a relationship and fellowship with our creator? We could spend our time with him and not be concerned with providing for ourselves.
God's plan was and is simple, and it has not changed. He wants you and I to freely "choose him" and not to be made or forced to choose him...so he gives us choices - a freewill. He wants to provide for us, to fellowship with us, and he wants to able to find us in place (not in sin), so that we do not need to hide from him. The Father's plan for Jesus' blood to pay the price for our sin has been provided. Why? God loved his creation so much that he wanted us back in place. Now, if we accept his Son Jesus and what he did for us, then we can fellowship with God through the redemption of the blood of Jesus.
Wow, what love...what power God has given to us (John 1:12). The power of the blood and what Jesus finished on the cross that made everything right again. The cross does not simply provide the blood for forgiveness of sin, but it also provides for us health, prosperity as well as an eternal place with him. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us why he came. Do you think he lied? God forbid. We have abundant life through him. Is abundant life limited to eternal salvation? Of course not, God cares about every aspect of our life and also wants an intimate relationship with us!
If I may take a moment and ask this question: Which would you prefer: A person in your life with whom you forced to say that they want to be in a relationship with you, or a person saying of their own freewill that they want to be in a relationship with you? Of course we want those in our lives to freely choose to be in our presence. Then why not God desiring the same type of relationship with his creation? He loves us, and he misses us when we are not in fellowship with him, just as we would miss the people we love who never develop a relationship with us or spend time with us.
In Isaiah 46:12, God declared the end from the beginning (He is the Alpha & Omega, the Beginning and the End: Revelation 21:6) and came up with solutions to anything that would ever befall each of our lives to help us. So, yes he saw Adam and Eve choosing to disobey before they did it, and he prepared Jesus as the answer to redeem mankind back to himself. Pretty wise if you think about it all. Just think if you were able to see the beginning of time and the end of time in one snapshot and then having the power and ability to work it out to where your desired results and original plan is carried out through time. That's what God did! He has the ability and power. He knows all things and is everywhere at all times and he provided for us as he did for Adam and Eve so that he could enjoy his creation...mankind!
We have to know and understand that God will not and cannot override our will. He cannot go back on his word and take away our free-will (Psalm 138:2), so he has to always work within the boundaries of his word or he would be a liar and then cease to be God! God is holy, and that is his word on it. He cannot allow sin in his presence.
The thing we need to remember is with having a free-will and a choice is that we have to choose him and his plan of redemption through Jesus Christ and the finished work of the Cross. (John 19:30) We have a say-so in his plan. Father God bids us to "choose life" in Deuteronomy 30:19-20. God's love for us is so "GI-NORMOUS" (gigantic & anormous) that sometimes we miss it because it is too big for us to comprehend or grasp. Remember John 3:16?
I am glad that God provided all I need for living on earth with him and provided all I need for living eternally with him. I hope as you read through these bible chapters and verses that Holy Spirit will reveal and teach you God's love. Romans 8:35-39
For we are Ambassadors For Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
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